A former concentration camp at Mamula Island is being turned into a luxurious tourist resort where political prisoners were kept during the Second World War. Generally well-known and thought to be a tourist destination for its beauty and attractiveness, Montenegro is making headlines for a completely different reason. The Government of Montenegrin has approved plans to rework a historic concentration camp into a luxury resort.
About Mamula Island
Developed within the nineteenth century by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Mamula lies on a little island looking for Boka Bay. It has never been used to protect against enemy ships. This place went through various uses as a jail and as an amount camp during the First and Second warfare. There were reportedly over 2,000 prisoners, killed or starved to death, and therefore the cruelty and torture they suffered became the topic of a Yugoslav film called Mamula Camp. The fort looks terrifying from outside, but once entered, visitors are amazed by its beauty.
Why was Mamula established?
Mamula had many purposes for years. This place was used as a concentration camp. Due to its isolated location, Mamula served as the jail in both World Wars. The main reason Mamula was established was to avoid enemy ships from reaching the Boka Bay. Still, it never served its purpose, and there had never been a military assault.
The Government released a project
Montenegrin’s Government has announced a project to make Mamula a resort, with swimming pools, spa, restaurants, VIP areas, bars, and dance flooring. The Orascom Group, who are behind the making of this resort, has confirmed that the project is going to be respectful to local architecture and can ultimately retain the island’s historical value. The investment within the project is around $16 million.
The debate over the island
The family members of people who had once been imprisoned within the wartime camp were not proud of the initiative. As per one of the local, building a luxury tourist resort solely for entertainment in this location where such a large amount of people have died and suffered could be a correct example of a lack of seriousness towards history.
The decision by the Government
The Government of Montenegrin went ahead and conveyed that this project will help in boosting the local economy. He said the history of Mamula should be valued because the design involves a memorial room or a museum that will host cultural activities, music events, and political debates.
Winding up
The project will improve tourism, rebuild the island, and protect its cultural heritage and history. The debate over the island started in December 2013 when the Government announced it as an acceptable investment opportunity to meet the customer’s needs and desires. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, Montenegro is ranked third in the world for the expected long-term growth of its tourism industry.
